Crystal Cave

Visitors gather around a cave naturalist on a Crystal Cave Tour.

Allison Taggart-Barone

 

Fungal Disease Killing Bats - What You Can Do

White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease killing bats in North America. It has had the most impact in the eastern half of the United States and in Canada, killing millions of bats. At least one bat as far west as Washington state was found dead from this disease. People can spread the fungus from one cave to another as it can be carried by shoes, clothing, or gear. If you have visited caves in other parts of the country, you must not wear the same clothing or equipment when visiting Crystal Cave. Learn more about how to help bats threatened by white-nose syndrome.

 

Visiting Crystal Cave

The 2019 season is May 24 - September 29. Crystal Cave is an excellent example of a marble cavern. A half-mile loop trail leads through the cave, and there's also a steep half-mile walk to and from the cave parking area to the entrance. Because of fragile formations, the only way to visit the cave is on a guided tour. Tours are suitable for all ages. If you decide to see the cave, plan on spending about half a day traveling to the cave, walking to the entrance, and taking the 45-minute tour.

Guided tours of Crystal Cave are offered from spring through fall by our partner, the Sequoia Parks Conservancy. Buy tickets online at least two days in advance, or earlier for weekend and holiday tours. If tickets are not sold out, they may be available at visitor centers. Tickets are never sold at the cave.

On the day of your tour, be very sure to leave enough travel time to make it to the cave on time for your tour. This may be affected by delays due to road construction between the road to Crystal Cave and the foothills of Sequoia National Park.

Note that vehicles over 22 feet and those towing trailers are not allowed on the narrow and curving Crystal Cave Road. Bring jackets; the temperature inside is 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). Before buying tickets, check other important information about tours.

Directions

Crystal Cave is near the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. From Foothills Visitor Center: turn right on to Generals Hwy. Drive 13 miles (20km). Turn left on to the Cave Road -- look for the sign as you enter Giant Forest. Drive 6.5 miles (10km) to the parking area. From Lodgepole Visitor Center: turn left on to Generals Hwy. Drive 6.5 miles (10km) through Giant Forest. Turn right on to the Cave Road. Drive 6.5 miles (10km) to the parking area.

 

More Information about Park Caves

Visit the Caves/Karst Systems page to learn more about additional caves in these parks, their geology, and the variety of animal life found in some caves. If you are interested in cave management and research, the Managing Park Caves page highlights some of the ways park staff manage caves to protect their fragile formations and cave life, and scientific work that supports these management efforts.